Honolulu, Hawaii – Last week the Hawaii State Legislature wrapped up its work for the 2014 legislative session. One of the highlights was the farewell given to long time legislator, Senator David Ige. After being heaped with praise – and lei – the outgoing democrat gave a speech, which included a reflection on his own involvement in improving public access to the legislative process.

(Video from May 1, 2014)

Ige hopes to continue with public service. He is running for Hawaii State Governor in the upcoming election.

This media release was issued on May 1, 2014:

CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS SENATOR DAVID IGE MAKES FINAL SPEECH AS SENATOR AT THE CLOSE OF SESSION TODAY

Honolulu, HI (April 30, 2014) — State Sen. David Ige (D-Pearl Harbor-Pearl City-Aiea) today gave a final speech as Senator on the Senate floor at the close of the legislative session today. This marks a milestone in an effective career in leadership positions dedicated to serving the people of Hawaii. Sen. Ige has spent nearly three decades in public office, starting in the state House of Representatives for eight years before his 21 year tenure in the state Senate.

“I am thankful to the many colleagues I have had the privilege to serve with to make our home a better place for our children and future generations. Over the years, I am proud to say that together we were able to increase public access to the legislative process, reform our education and auto insurance system, and pass key pieces of legislation that has helped to move Hawaii forward, while respecting the unique qualities that make our state so special,” said Ige. “I am humbled and thankful to the people of the Aiea and Pearl City for allowing me the honor of serving our community for nearly three decades.”

Sen. Ige has been the chair of the highest ranking Senate Committee on Ways and Means for the past three years and has helped to shape and balance the state’s budget through tough economic times.

Ige’s colleague on the House side, House Finance Chair Representative Sylvia Luke, said, “David has been a brilliant budget negotiator dedicated to keeping our budget in balance without implementing new tax programs the past three years.”

He has led a total of nine House and Senate committees, including Higher Education, Education and Technology, Health, Hawaiian Affairs, Economic Development, Commerce, and Consumer Protection and Information Technology.

“David’s intelligence and fact-based, comprehensive decision-making approach has allowed him to effectively lead many of the most powerful committees at the Legislature,” said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. “He is well-respected among his colleagues and highly-regarded by the community as a devoted public servant.”

This year named one of the 13 “tech-savviest” state legislators in the nation, Sen. Ige has spearheaded technology-based projects such as the Hawaii Telecommunications and Information Industries Act, a “paperless” Senate, and tax credits for knowledge-based tech companies. He also received the State Technology Innovator Award from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers in 2010.

Sen. Ige has pioneered initiatives over the years that have garnered him many accolades, including:

· 2013 – Hawaii Public Charter School honor for “being a catalyst for change and passing the charter school law in Hawaii”
· 2011 – Outstanding Legislator of the Year, AARP
· 2010 – Outstanding Elected Leader, Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii 2010 State Technology Innovator Award, National Association of State Chief Information Officers
· 2000 – Outstanding Civic Leadership, Hawaii Technology Trade Association
· 1998 – Friend of the Family Award, Hawaii Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
· 1994 – GTE President’s Leadership Award, Team Leadership – Bronze 1994 Mahalo Award, The Friends of the Library of Hawaii
· 1990 – High Technology Development Corporation Achievement Award, High Technology Development Corporation – State of Hawaii
· 1989 – 20/20 Business Development Award, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii

Sen. Ige was raised in Pearl City where he attended Pearl City Elementary, Highlands Intermediate and Pearl City High School. He attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Decision Sciences. He and his wife Dawn, a public school vice principal, have three children currently in college.

With a successful career as an electrical engineer executive for 34 years, Sen. Ige has continued to be devoted to information technology, telecommunications, networks and responsible public policy. He currently works with Robert A. Ige and Associates, Inc.

Ige concluded, “During my 29 years serving the public at the Legislature, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of state government and will continue to use this expertise to the benefit of all Hawaii.” Hawaii State Senate